수술 중 우연히 발견된 측두골 내 안면신경초종

A case of incidental intratemporal facial nerve Schwannoma

Benign tumors of the middle ear cavity have wide spectrum of diseases. Facial nerve Schwannomas which arise along the facial nerve course are rare benign neoplasms that can be found in the middle ear cavity. Ipsilateral facial palsy and hearing impairment are the most common presentations. But because of the diversity of symptoms ranging from asymptomatic to atypical manifestations, the exact diagnosis of facial nerve Schwannoma may be difficult and the treatment can be delayed. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment strategies are essential to preserve audiologic, vestibular and facial nerve function. We report a case of the facial nerve Schwannoma in intratemproal area masquerading as other benign tumors of middle ear cavity such as tympanic paraganglioma in a 58-year-old man presenting with left earfullness and hearing impairment without presenting facial palsy. We describe the diagnosis and the treatment strategies of facial nerve Schwannoma.